The total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, presented a unique opportunity for brands and retailers to engage consumers with promotional offers, including free viewing glasses and other eclipse-themed freebies. For U.S. consumers, this event was marked by a variety of giveaways, purchase-with-purchase offers, and app-based deals designed to enhance the viewing experience. This article outlines the verified freebies and promotional offers available during this period, focusing on safety, eligibility, and access methods as reported by multiple deal-tracking and news sources.
Verified Freebies for Eclipse Viewing
Safety is paramount when viewing a solar eclipse, and several organizations and retailers provided certified solar eclipse glasses to the public. The following offers were confirmed through official announcements and promotional pages.
Retailer and Brand-Specific Offers
Natural Grocers offered free eclipse viewing glasses to customers in specific states. The promotion required a purchase at any Natural Grocers store located in Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Louisiana, and Kansas. Customers could request one free pair of glasses per customer at the time of purchase, while supplies lasted. This offer was explicitly for U.S. residents in the listed states only.
Smoothie King promoted its new “Blackout Slush Float” smoothie, which was launched on March 25 for a limited time. The drink was created in consultation with former NASA astronaut Terry Virts. With the purchase of this smoothie, customers received a free pair of Smoothie King-branded eclipse viewing glasses. The glasses were available while supplies lasted.
Sonic Drive-In offered a similar promotion, giving away free pairs of solar eclipse glasses with the purchase of its new Blackout Slush Float. This offer was limited to one pair per customer, while supplies lasted.
Warby Parker provided free eclipse viewing glasses at its retail stores from April 1 until Eclipse Day (April 8, 2024), while supplies lasted. This offer was not contingent on a purchase, making it a direct freebie for store visitors.
MyEyeDr. was reported to be giving away expert-approved solar eclipse glasses at 438 offices across 20 states within the eclipse’s path of totality. The giveaway began in March, and consumers could obtain glasses directly from participating optical offices.
New York State Welcome Centers and Thruway Rest Stops offered free limited-edition “I LOVE NY” eclipse glasses. The offer allowed for two complimentary pairs per person, available daily while supplies last. Due to high demand, availability was not guaranteed at all locations. The state also noted that certified eclipse glasses were available at other locations and retailers within New York.
Online and Sign-Up-Based Offers
TINCUP Whiskey offered an experience for adults aged 21 and older. On Friday, March 22, at 9:00 AM ET, the first 408 registrants received a free pair of ISO-certified eclipse-safe glasses delivered before the eclipse day. This required signing up through a dedicated link provided by the brand.
Amazon listed a 10-pack of Medical King Solar Eclipse Glasses for $14.99, with free shipping available for Prime members or on orders over $35. While not a freebie, this was a noted option for purchasing certified glasses.
Promotional Food and Beverage Offers
Several food and beverage brands launched eclipse-themed products and promotions, some of which included free viewing glasses as part of the purchase.
Burger King offered a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) free Whopper deal for Royal Perks members on April 8. Members could text the keyword “ECLIPSE” to 251251 to claim the offer, which was redeemable via the BK App or online at BK.com during or after the eclipse.
Wendy’s offered a free small Frosty with any purchase on April 8, redeemable via the Wendy’s app. Additionally, Wendy’s waived its delivery fee for orders placed through the Wendy’s app or on Wendys.com until midnight on April 8.
TINCUP Whiskey also promoted an “ultimate viewing experience” starting on March 18, which included an eclipse-inspired cocktail (the TINCUP Total Eclipse Sour), outdoor gear, and exclusive merchandise bundles. While the cocktail recipe was shared, the free glasses offer was a separate, limited-time sign-up promotion.
Tiff’s Treats offered an Eclipse Mix, featuring Lemon Sugar cookies and Blackout Double Chocolate Chip cookies, available for pre-order for delivery between April 1 and 8. This was a themed product promotion rather than a free sample.
Important Considerations for Consumers
When seeking free eclipse glasses or promotional offers, consumers should be aware of several key factors:
- Safety Certification: The primary concern is eye safety. Free glasses should be ISO-certified (ISO 12312-2) for solar viewing. Offers from reputable retailers like Natural Grocers, MyEyeDr., and the official New York State promotion specifically mentioned certified or expert-approved glasses. For online purchases, consumers should verify certification details.
- Geographic and Eligibility Restrictions: Many freebies were tied to specific locations. For example, the Natural Grocers offer was limited to six states, and the New York State glasses were available only at designated welcome centers and rest stops. Online sign-ups, like the TINCUP Whiskey offer, had specific registration windows and age requirements (21+).
- Supply Limitations: Nearly all free offers were available “while supplies last.” High demand, as noted for the New York State glasses, meant that availability could not be guaranteed. Consumers were advised to obtain glasses well in advance of the eclipse day.
- Purchase Requirements: Some freebies required a purchase (e.g., Natural Grocers, Smoothie King, Sonic), while others were direct giveaways (e.g., Warby Parker, MyEyeDr., New York State Welcome Centers). The Burger King and Wendy’s promotions were conditional on a separate purchase or app-based order.
- Redemption Methods: Many offers were tied to digital platforms. The Burger King and Wendy’s deals required app usage or text sign-ups. Consumers needed to ensure they had the necessary apps installed and were registered members where required.
Conclusion
The April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse prompted a wave of promotional activity from brands across the food, beverage, and retail sectors. Verified offers included free certified solar eclipse glasses from retailers like Natural Grocers, Warby Parker, and MyEyeDr., as well as state-sponsored programs in New York. Food and beverage promotions ranged from free glasses with smoothie purchases at Smoothie King and Sonic to app-based deals from Burger King and Wendy’s. For consumers, accessing these offers required attention to eligibility rules, geographic restrictions, and supply limitations. The most reliable free glasses were available from official retail partners and state programs, while themed products and app-based deals provided additional value for those participating in eclipse celebrations.